Dr. Joseph Vanfleteren Jr. 

Dr. Vanfleteren has over 8 years of experience preserving and transforming smiles through compassionate and personalized dentistry. He previously worked for Great Lakes Bay Health Centers in both Bay City and Saginaw.

He completed his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2012 and received the Outstanding Senior Award and Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his academic and community achievements. He went on to be the only dental student from the Midwest chosen to be a National Health Service Corps Scholar and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. 

With a passion for life-long learning, Dr. Vanfleteren has an enthusiasm for teaching and has completed over 250 hours of continuing education to nurture his diverse dentistry skillset. He volunteers his time and expertise for the Helen M. Nickless Clinic in Essexville, where he finds it rewarding to support dental hygiene and assisting students with hands-on learning and offer free dentistry to underserved populations. He has also served as an adjunct professor for the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, educating and mentoring students in a clinical setting. Dr. Vanfleteren is committed to ensuring his patients and the community receive dental care of the utmost quality, innovation, and respect. 

Dr. Vanfleteren resides in Bay City with his wife and high school sweetheart, Lindsay, and their four children. He enjoys making memories with family and friends and being a coach for his kids’ local sports teams, with his motto always being “be kind, work hard, and have fun!” In his free time he also loves to play strategy board games, read a too-good-to-put-down book, attend concerts, and cheer on MSU Spartan sports!

Dr. Michael Learman

Dr. Learman has over 35 years of experience. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee and has obtained over 700 hours of continuing education.

In 2005, he became a certified Bioesthetic Dentist through the OBI Foundation. His passion and expertise lie within full mouth comprehensive cosmetic cases, one of which was published in, “The Function of Teeth” by Lundeen and Gibbs.

In his spare time, Dr. Learman enjoys spending time with his family boating on the Saginaw Bay and is an avid outdoorsman during all seasons. He loves to hunt, fish, and is always perfecting his golf game. 

Chelsey Kraft
Registered Dental Hygienist

Chelsey received her Associates Degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Delta College. She loves interacting with patients and helping them with their smile. In her spare time, Chelsey enjoys baking and cooking as well as spending time with her husband and son.

Kimberly Bitzer
Registered Dental Assistant

Kim graduated from Delta College’s Dental Assisting Program. She has been assisting for over 30 years and has been with Learman Dental for over 20 of those years. Kim married her high school sweetheart, Scott, and they celebrated their 40th anniversary in March 2024. In her spare time, Kim enjoys working out, spending time with her family, and watching her grand kids grow up!

Susan Kusmierz
Registered Dental Hygienist

Sue graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Delta College in 1981. Ten years into her career she started working with Dr. Learman.

In her free time she enjoys biking, walking, and kayaking with her husband Jim.

Katie Hubbell Schanz
Office Manager, Financial & Treatment Coordinator

Katie has been in the dental field since 2007. She studied business management at Saginaw Valley State University and Northwood University West Palm Beach campus.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family.

Kathryn Neering
Registered Dental Assistant

Kathryn earned her Dental Assisting license through Delta College’s Dental Assisting Program and has over 5 years of experience. She married her husband Kyle in September 2023 and they have a puppy named Salem. In Kathryn’s spare time she enjoys being active, reading, and watching Netflix.

Alyssa Geese
Registered Dental Hygienist

Alyssa received her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Delta College. Her favorite part of hygiene is meeting and building relationships with patients. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys scrolling through Pinterest for home projects and hanging out with her family, especially her daughters.

Sarah Blossom
Patient Care Coordinator

Sarah has worked in the dental field for over twenty years. She majored in biology and received her Bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets, which include two dogs and some backyard chickens. Sarah also likes being outdoors, walking, and traveling with her husband. 

Cathie Leibrand
Registered Dental Assistant

Cathie has worked in the dental field for over 26 years. She graduated from Mott Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and a certificate in Dental Assisting. Cathie loves to stay active by hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. In her spare time she also enjoys gardening, shopping, weekend trips, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.